Thursday, April 23, 2009

Webber's Sequel - My 2¢

Everyone these days seems to be on the bandwagon regarding Webber’s pending sequel to The Phantom of the Opera entitled “Lover Never Dies.” There’s one big stir running across the Internet pipeline and it's filling with articles and opinions. I’ve seen everything from petitions to halt the production to others who can’t wait for the release. What do I think about all the hubbub? Here’s my two cents worth, which might greatly surprise you.

The Phantom of the Opera is a timeless masterpiece originally penned by Gaston Leroux. God bless his heart. He’d probably sit up in his coffin and shake his head in amazement over a book he wrote that did poorly when released in 1910 and is now revered as a classic. The basic premise of the story has turned into a worldwide obsession that breeds a frenzy of strong fan opinions that occasionally get down right ugly.

Fans are divided into camps: (1) original Leroux lovers; (2) Webber’s stage play lovers; and (3) 2004 movie lovers. Some lovers cross camps and some stay entrenched in one camp while despising the others. I sort of chuckle over the whole matter myself. As for me? I slide between all three, but tend to lean heavier toward the play and Leroux camp. I love the play, but without Leroux you can't understand the motivations of the characters.

However, let’s make one point clear. The story does not belong to one person in fan land, as some might like to think. Oh, sure, Leroux wrote it, Webber has copyrights plastered everywhere, but the story belongs to us ALL. We are individually touched by the message. That is what is so great about The Phantom of the Opera – it universally touches everyone, but in different ways.

The current uproar is now Webber has written a sequel, he’s chosen actors to play the part (and there's complaints over those choices), and the countdown to the stage production has begun (as you can see by my widget on my blog here). Many are screaming he should leave well enough alone. Let good things stay as they are, so to speak. Don't mess with it - it's not broken.

In reality, no one will ever stop the influx of books on the Phantom of the Opera from people who continue to write their own sequels or spinoffs. Before I sat down to write this article, I went on Amazon.com and counted at least 30 books written about the Phantom beyond Leroux’s or Webber’s version, and I’m sure there are many others worldwide in different languages. I personally know of four other works in progress from various authors that are expansions or sequels that haven't hit the market yet. Let’s face it folks, Webber’s sequel will only be one out of heaven knows how many more to come from fan-filled imaginations.

I’ve also heard complaints that in the new sequel Raoul is being portrayed in a less than lovable light. Heavens, will anybody be happy? Most didn't like Raoul to begin with. Millions of fans complained because Christine didn’t end up with the Phantom, so Webber writes a sequel that will no doubt give you Christine and the Phantom. He needs to give some plausible reason for Christine now to choose the Phantom over Raoul, so naturally Raoul becomes the bad guy rather than the Phantom. I can think of a thousand scenarios to spin everyone’s head. Webber chose a storyline spinning off from another novel sequel. Like it or not. It will be what it will be.

So I say all that to say this! Frankly, let Webber produce his musical sequel. For me it will not distract from the story that so profoundly touched my life. Erik's cry, "All I ever wanted was to be loved for myself," will continue to resonate throughout the world. Allow Webber the creative license to do with the story as he pleases. After all, he’s responsible for taking Leroux’s book and making it into a worldwide phenomenon by producing a stage play in 1986. If the new sequel flops, it flops. If it’s another success, it’s another success. Will it please everyone? Well, we all know you can only please some of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people all of the time.

In conclusion, The Phantom of the Opera belongs to us all! Not one of you out there in fan land own the Phantom, Philippe de Chagny, Raoul de Chagny, Christine Daae, Madame Giry, Meg Giry, Carlotta, the Managers, or any other character for that matter. These characters belong to us all, and each character touches us in different ways. I dare say that every one of us has the creative license and right to pen stories about their lives if we so choose no matter what venue that may be - public or private.

Webber’s sequel will touch the hearts of those it is meant to touch, and I do not believe it will dilute in any way the stage play, the movie, or Leroux’s version. His sequel will not be the last sequel to hit the market either. Many more will come, and there will probably be sequels upon his sequel. The Music of the Night never ends folks! The story will continue to morph as others see fit to satisfy the hunger within to produce the outcomes they wish.

As I have said before, as far as I am concerned Andrew Lloyd Webber is a musical genius, and he continues to immortalize the musical genius in a musical. I support him wholeheartedly in his right to do so, whether or not I like his new play or not. He is a gifted creator, and I respect his talent. Take heart. He will not ruin The Phantom of the Opera - it's immortal.

5 comments:

Anonymous
said...

Love you, Vicki...love your blog! I agree with all you've said. I love the Phantom in all of his forms. And I say to those who are against the sequel...don't watch it, don't listen to the music...just forget about it.

Personally, nothing will ever replace the original, but hey! I just might be surprised!

You said, "The current uproar is now Webber has written a sequel, he’s chosen actors to play the part (and there's complaints over those choices), and the countdown to the stage production has begun (as you can see by my widget on my blog here). Many are screaming he should leave well enough alone. Let good things stay as they are, so to speak. Don't mess with it - it's not broken.

In reality, no one will ever stop the influx of books on the Phantom of the Opera from people who continue to write their own sequels or spinoffs. Before I sat down to write this article, I went on Amazon.com and counted at least 30 books written about the Phantom beyond Leroux’s or Webber’s version, and I’m sure there are many others worldwide in different languages. I personally know of four other works in progress from various authors that are expansions or sequels that haven't hit the market yet. Let’s face it folks, Webber’s sequel will only be one out of heaven knows how many more to come from fan-filled imaginations...."

There is a great deal of difference between people, professional or fan, writing Phantom books and ALW writing an *official* sequel to the stage show. Although I have read and love the original Leroux book, I am primarily a fan of the stage musical. I don't care at all how many sequel books professional writers produce and care even less, if that is possible, about fan-written sequels. I do, however, object to an ALW written sequel to his much loved show, a sequel that undercuts the sadness, the poignancy, the effectiveness of the final scene of that original show. The Phantom, self-centered and ruthless throughout the show, has a revelation, a change of heart and mind with Christine's kiss, especially the second one. He lets her go with her young man despite the agony this act cause him. It's over now, the music of the night......except it isn't. He's going to take another crack at her in the sequel, which in London and NYC will be right across the street...or close enough as makes no never mind.

You're right, people need to leave Webber alone. He's basically giving us what half of the Phantom community has been fantisizing about since he made it as big as it is- E/C. I, personally, don't like the thought of a real sequal. Often when I've read fan sequals I find that what is happening isn't all that likely. I don't blame them- it's difficult to write a sequal after the best ending one could ask for. I still hope to see Webber's when it comes out, though.

I was much more excited for this sequal before I knew that it'd take place in Coney Island. That part made me kind of angry. It needs to take place in France! I can't really see it taking place anywhere else. Of course, for some characters leaving the country would be understandable. I'd have picked England, though. And then there's that whole "Raoul = Bad Guy" thing. I can't see that happening... EVER. The last thing I really had a problem with was that it will include the same characters. If they're going to be in an entirely different country I don't think every one of the characters should be there. Yes, Raoul, Christine, and Erik, but that's about it.

I still agree with you that we should give the sequal a chance. What we know isn't very uplifting, but we don't really know all that much. My main issue, as you may have noticed, is simply how realistic the events will be. I consider myself "E/C", but truth be told Christine had to go with Raoul. It's just the way these kind of stories go. Have you read Susan Kay's "Phantom"? In it, Christine says "I love you, Erik, I love you in so many different ways...but my love is the love of a child afraid to grow up." That's the best way I've seen anyone put it, and it's exactly how I've always thought of it. But who knows? I might end up liking it. Or maybe I won't. I'll probably listen to the music so much that I'll learn to love it. Maybe I'll hate it, in which case I can forget about it and wait for the show to close on Broadway.

This is the first time I visited your blog~ I don't like that sequel but still want to watch it...... Sometimes I'm just going to write my own. ......As a student who has known she failed her English examination just now, I think I should return to Chinese webpages, but, there seems to be few essays talking about it, the stage play, the novel or the film.

Thank you for commenting on: The Black Parade: Phantom Series blog. I loved your words of wisdom and feel very blessed I can connect with others out there in the blogging world. I too, have been touched by the Phantom in my own way. I felt the power of his love for Christine and although my book has nothing to do with the true Phantom of the Opera...his character brought about my main character. I saw the good in the Phantom...and I always root for the underdog. :0 Thank you again.Maybe you will read it and help support St. Jude's. I would love to hear your opinion on the symbolism in my book.

Order Print Version of Lessons From the Phantom of the Opera - Worldwide Free Shipping Below

3rd Edition eBook on Amazon, Nook, Kobo, iBooks

Vicki Hopkins, Author

Welcome to the Opera House

The blog you've just landed upon has been in existence since 2008. It started as a place to "dump" my thoughts about the story and grew into a monstrosity of over 150 posts to date. For more information about the history of this blog, visit the tab above "About the Blog."

The entire main blog that deals with the characters, emotions, symbols, and other aspects of the story from Leroux to Webber, is in book form for purchase worldwide, as well as eBook format.

This blog is not a literary review of Gaston Leroux! It merely focuses upon the story and and life lessons hidden throughout. I've used all versions to talk about Phantom and have also taken the time to dissect the characters in LND. You can find all posts with drop-down menus below to help you navigate through the various subject matter.

Hope you enjoy the lair! Come back often or sign up for your Phantom feed.

Blog/Book Review

"Lessons From 'The Phantom of the Opera' " is a creative and thoughtful approach to pop culture hit. I enjoyed the book because I teach French history at the college level and I have long enjoyed Gothic novels as well as opera. I connect with the story on several levels, professional and personal. "Lessons" takes a personal, reflective approach that asks readers to think about why they react as they do to the musical and novel. Why does such an old fashioned, romantic story have such appeal in post modern society? Simple: young or old or in between, we still respond to the emotions explored in the story. I plan to tell some of my students who are Phantom fans about this book." (Dr. Melanie Byrd)

Christine Daae - I have probably agonized more over this post than any other. Why? Analyzing Christine has not been easy. Erik I understand....

Readers From 122 Countries/Territories Have Visited This Blog Since 2008

Vicki Hopkins, Author's Fan Box - Thumbs Welcome

The Joy of Audio Books

I love audio books. They open up a whole new world of entertainment. They save time from sitting down and reading a book. You can listen while driving to work, during work, taking a walk, running, or working outside and around the house. It's a time-saving opportunity to take a moment and enjoy your favorite books, acted out by talented voice artists, many of which are from television and stage.

The talent chosen for The Phantom of Valletta, has extensive voice experience. My other narrators are from the stage, or are professional voice artists that have done television, documentaries, and commercials.

Why not try out a membership at Audible? It's easy - starts with a free trial, has no long-term commitment, and is filled with entertainment.

Join today, and I'll give you a free code to one of my books of your choosing to get you started.

The Phantom of the Opera on Stage 2014-15

It contains all the relevant posts on this site (minus comments) arranged by Characters, Emotions, Symbols, and Places/Things through May of 2009. At the end of each chapter there is a page entitled Box 5 that poses three questions for you to ponder regarding the subject matter. Below those questions is a space to write your own personal reflections on how the story reveals itself to you!

Listen To All Things Phantom on BlogTalkRadio

Vicki Hopkins is the founder and host of All Things Phantom on BlogTalkRadio, which airs Saturday at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.

Each week a new guest is interviewed, a chat room opened, and lively discussions occur with call in listeners regarding the elements of the story from Leroux to Webber. Guests include authors, artists, reviewers, and others who contribute to the Phantom community in some way.

Teresa Stout helps co-host the show each week. Listen here to previous segments or visit or links below to participate live.

Our show is currently on hiatus, but all previous 30 episodes are archived and available to listen by clicking the player above. Over 22,000 shows have been downloaded since we began broadcasting around the world!

All quotations used in this blog are the property of:

Phantom Of The Opera lyrics are the property of their respective authors, artists and labels. (Music Andrew Lloyd Webber/Lyrics Charles Hart, The Really Useful Group, London, UK). Licensing fees were paid to use them in my book, Lessons From the Phantom of the Opera, but have been omitted here on the blog. Artwork is posted by permission of artist.

Writer's icon and other photos used in his blog were purchased from iStockPhotos.com, with rights for use, or are personal photographs taken by Phantom's Student. POTO from Photobucket.

Disclaimer

The site or author is not connected in any way with the Phantom of the Opera official sites. All publicly recognizable characters, settings, quotations, etc., are the property of their respective owners. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers. No copyright infringement is intended.